Customizing the microenvironment of CO ₂ electrocatalysis via three?phase interface engineering

Converting CO2 into high-value fuels and chemicals by renewable-electricity-powered electrochemical reduction reaction (CRR) is a viable approach toward carbon-emissions-neutral processes. Unlike the thermocatalytic hydrogenation of at solid-gas interface, CRR takes place three-phase gas/solid/liquid interface near electrode surface in aqueous solution, which leads to major challenges including limited mass diffusion reactant, competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, poor product selectivity. Here we critically examine various methods engineering electrocatalysts optimize microenvironment for CRR, can address above issues. The effective modification strategies gas transport, electrolyte composition, controlling intermediate states, catalyst are discussed. key emphasis made on diverse atomic-precision modifications increase local concentration, lower energy barriers activation, decrease H2O coverage, stabilize intermediates effectively control catalytic activity perspectives outlook future applications other gas-involving electrocatalytic reactions conclude article.